University of Georgia: University of Georgia offensive lineman Devin Willock passed away early on Sunday morning in an automobile accident that claimed the lives of one other and injured two others, according to the institution. A parade and ceremony marking the Bulldogs’ second consecutive national championship victory were held just hours before the catastrophe.
Willock, age 20, was declared dead on the spot. Chandler LeCroy, the car’s 24-year-old driver, was taken to the hospital, where she succumbed to her wounds later. LeCroy, who previously received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Georgia, worked as a recruiting analyst for the Bulldogs in football.
The collision, south of the university campus in Athens, Georgia, also injured two other football players. They weren’t immediately recognized, but the school said both were doing well.
Warren McLendon, a different offensive lineman, was reportedly one of the injured. The junior made his NFL draft announcement on Saturday. According to a statement from the Athens-Clarke County police department, the single-vehicle collision happened around 2:45 am.
According to the statement, the initial investigation revealed a Ford Expedition was “off the lane, damaging two power lines and several trees.” The national championship game victory over TCU by Georgia, 65-7, was celebrated on Saturday with a parade around the city and a celebration at Sanford Stadium.
The happy feeling quickly changed to sadness. Devin Willock and Chandler LeCroy’s deaths have left everyone “heartbroken and distraught,” according to Georgia coach Kirby Smart. “Devin was an exceptional young guy in all respects. He was a fantastic teammate, a joy to coach, and was constantly smiling.”
According to Smart, LeCroy is “a crucial component of our coaching team for football who consistently offered a great attitude and energy. We share their families’ grief at this awful loss and will do everything we can to help them.” Police stated they were still looking into the collision and had not identified any potential contributing causes. A few days may pass before an accident report is released.
Willock, a redshirt sophomore from New Milford, New Jersey, stood 6 feet 7 and weighed 335 pounds. During the 2022 season, he participated actively as a backup and started at right guard in the Southeastern Conference wins over Tennessee and Kentucky.
Willock would likely have been battling for a starting spot in 2023 as the Bulldogs attempt to win their third consecutive national championship, with McClendon and offensive guard Warren Ericson set to enter the NFL draft.
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Described as “two wonderful people” who “meant the world to our football team and athletic department,” Willock and LeCroy were mentioned by athletic director Josh Brooks.
Brooks continued, “We will keep paying tribute to their memory in the coming years. “Devin Willock, a football student-athlete, and Chandler LeCroy, a football staff member, were tragically killed, the University of Georgia Athletic Association said in a statement.
The statement went on to say that “the entire Georgia family is devastated by the tragic loss of football student-athlete Devin Willock and football staff member Chandler LeCroy” and that “the UGA Athletic Association will work with our medical team as well as our mental health and performance personnel to ensure we are providing the best support for our staff At this time, we are unable to comment further, but we do urge that everyone continue to pray for all involved.”
Police reported that a female passenger, 26, suffered critical injuries, while a male passenger, 21, received minor injuries. The school stated, “We will keep an eye on their condition with medical personnel.”
Georgia stated that its performance and mental health staff would “ensure we are giving the best support for our employees and student-athletes who are processing this tragedy.”
Greg Sankey, the commissioner of the Southeastern Conference, tweeted that the passing of Willock was “unfortunate news, and we join in offering our sorrow, prayers, and support” after he spoke at the championship celebration.
Linebacker Nolan Smith, a different Georgia athlete, expressed his heartache over Willock’s passing. Smith tweeted, “All I have to say is the GREAT ONES LEAVE (TOO) SOON.” “@DevinWillock, I will always love you.”
A few hours before his passing, Willock retweeted a picture of him spending time with a little Georgia fan in what appeared to be a restaurant. He even allowed the child to wear his championship ring.
The tweet said, “Special thank you to @DevinWillock for taking time for my grandson when he didn’t have to.” “You went above and beyond to make him feel special, brightening his day! Cheers to next year! Dawgs, go!”
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